Tuesday, July 11, 2006

"He understood what artists needed"

"Although [Charles E. Cooper's] training was in art...his skills were more on the organizational side. He understood what artists needed and made sure they had it.

As much as he could, Cooper provided a hassle-free environment for his artists at his studio. From a 1945 article in American Artist:"There is nothing'arty' or bohemian about the Cooper Studio; its plan is functionally designed and its business practice is geared to that of modern industry which is its client. Individual studios for member artists have north light and sound-proof doors entering hallways. There is a complete photographic studio with darkroom, costume room and two dressing rooms. An assembly and shipping room is centrally located. The conference room, a large salesman's room with files of artist's samples, a library and general business offices take up the remaining space."Walt Reed of Illustration House in New York ...observ[ed]: "The Cooper Studio [was] the ultimate in expert artists - top name artists - employed in a common purpose."